Crypt and niche prices not yet etched in stone

Published: March 17, 2003 7:00PM

With construction of the Northwood Cemetery mausoleum scheduled to begin soon, the Finance Committee of Cambridge City Council turned its attention Monday on rates to be charged for the nearly 350 crypts and niches it will provide.

The proposed fee schedule, said City Engineer Paul Sherry, is based on location within the structure. Outside crypts and niches are less expensive than those located within. Crypts near the floor and ceiling cost less than those located in the middle rows.

Each crypt is, essentially, a concrete box with a synthetic plastic liner and a marble shell into which a body is placed. Caskets may be used, and each will use either a plate attached to the crypt face, or have the face etched to identify the deceased contained within.

Niches are small spaces to hold cremation urns.

The proposed rates for crypts and niches and the number available include: